Report of Deputy Managing Director to ask Cabinet to agree a sustainable transport project to produce a business case for both a Cycle Hire (Share) scheme and on Demand Responsive Transport system (DRT) and to make recommendations to Council

The appendix is considered Part B in accordance with Paragraph 3, Part 1, Schedule 12A as it contains information relating to the financial and business affairs of the Council.

The Mayor introduced the report and explained it had been a key manifesto commitment to introduce a bike hire scheme and new bus service.  The report was for the business case to be developed to bring forward next year.

Councillor Sharpe commented that the council was facing increased housing targets and it was important to provide practical alternatives to a private car.  Nationally there was a contradiction in government planning policy which encouraged development but was less supportive on public transport initiatives.  The bus scheme could develop a system to be more like London where buses were a practical alternative which could be relied upon.

The Deputy Managing Director commented that network changes would be needed and both schemes could be flexible and be expanded into adjacent areas e.g., to the edge of Watford and beyond in response to demand.

Cabinet discussed conversations which had started with Hertfordshire County Council, the LEP and also neighbouring councils regarding strategic development.  It was commented that close consideration should be given as to where to place the bike hubs, particularly around areas of large developments such as the Meriden and in West Watford.

The Mayor commented that these schemes would be part of a series of transport improvements also including a transport app and car sharing.

RESOLVED

            That Cabinet agrees to:

1.         A sustainable transport project to produce a business case for both a Cycle Hire (Share) scheme and on Demand Responsive Transport system (DRT)

2.         Delegate to the Elected Mayor to sign off the business cases and approval of undertaking of any necessary procurement.

Recommends to Council

3.         That £27,000 is allocated from the Programme Management Board budget and £68,000 is allocated from the Economic Impact Reserve for project management and business case development costs for the provision of Cycle Hire Scheme and the Demand Responsive Transport System, and

4.         Agree that the Community Infrastructure Levy receipts that had previously been committed towards funding the Metropolitan Line Extension are made available to fund the Cycle Hire Scheme and the Demand Responsive Transport Schemes, including any supporting infrastructure allowed by the appropriate legislation.